River Flows in You (Yiruma)
My Performance
Why This Piece Matters to Me
River Flows in You holds a very special place in my life because this is the piece that, in many ways, started it all for me. I first heard it as a child, long before I had any serious interest in learning the piano. At that time, I didn’t understand anything about technique or theory. But something about this music stayed with me.
After listening to it, I felt a strong and very clear urge to learn the piano, simply so I could play this piece myself. Looking back, this was probably the moment when music stopped being something I just listened to, and became something I wanted to create.
About the Piece
River Flows in You was composed by Yiruma and has since become one of the most well-known modern piano pieces. Its appeal lies in its gentle flow, repeating patterns, and emotionally open melody. The music feels calm and intimate, yet deeply expressive.
Although it is often considered a “simple” piece, its emotional impact is anything but small. It’s the kind of music that stays with you even after it ends.
Learning Experience
When I finally began learning piano, this was one of the first pieces I seriously worked on. Even though it sounds straightforward, it took me a considerable amount of effort to learn, especially since I was a complete beginner at the time. Coordinating both hands smoothly and maintaining a steady flow required patience and repeated practice.
Because of that, listening to this piece now brings back a lot of childhood memories and nostalgia. Not just of the music itself, but of the early days of learning piano, when everything felt challenging but exciting at the same time.
About This Version
The version I play here is based on a live performance by Yiruma in Seoul. This version includes a beautiful bridge section that is not present in the original studio release. That bridge adds extra emotional depth and gives the piece a sense of expansion before gently returning to its familiar theme.
I was especially drawn to this version because it feels more reflective, almost like a conversation between past and present.
Closing Thoughts
River Flows in You will always feel personal to me. It represents the beginning of my journey with the piano, and every time I hear it, I’m reminded of why I wanted to learn music in the first place. Simple as it may seem, this piece carries a lifetime of meaning for me, and it continues to feel just as powerful today as it did when I first heard it.